How To Tell If A Car Has Been Trashed?

Purchasing a used Tercel or a used car can certainly help you save some money over your purchase. However, you need to know how what to look for in vehicles so that you don’t end up buying expensive trash. Here are some of the things that you should check for when trying to determine if a vehicle has been trashed.

Look for Dents and Rust

A sure sign that a car has seen better days is dents and rust. If the vehicle you’re considering buying has major body damage, it may be an indication of a low-quality car. While minor blemishes are to be expected on a used vehicle, anything substantial should give you pause.

Check Under the Car

It’s important to check under the car for any evidence of leaks or damage. Do this by getting down on your knees and looking up at the undercarriage with a flashlight. If there is rust, oil, transmission fluid, or other liquid leaks, these are all signs that the car may have been trashed when it was pre-owned.

Examine the Interior

The interior of any vehicle you’re considering buying should also be closely examined. Check for signs of smoke damage or heavy wear and tear on seat covers as well as carpets and door panels. These are all indications that the car has been improperly maintained or not taken care of at all.

Check the Mileage

It’s also important to check the odometer when determining whether a car has been trashed. If it reads more than 150,000 miles, you should be wary because this is usually indicative of a high amount of wear and tear on the vehicle.

Test Drive

Finally, take the car for a thorough test drive before you make your purchase. This will allow you to get a feel for its performance and also give you an opportunity to look for any potential problems with the brakes, suspension, and other components. Pay close attention while driving and if anything feels off or doesn’t seem right, that may be an indication of a trashed car.

By taking the time to examine potential used cars closely, you can save yourself money and unnecessary headaches by avoiding purchasing a junk vehicle. Following these tips will help you determine if a car has been trashed so that you don’t end up regretting your purchase.